Audio Book Review: Prime Suspects by Jim Bernheimer

This is a futuristic murder mystery where the suspects have a lot in common!
Prime Suspects: A Clone Detective Mystery
by Jim Bernheimer
Narrated by Jeffrey Kafer

    LENGTH
    4 hrs and 54 mins
    RELEASE DATE
    12-14-12
    PUBLISHER
    Jim Bernheimer

Genre: Mystery
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Homicide Detective David Bagini awakens in a strange world only to discover that he is, in fact, the 42nd clone of the Bagini line. With no memories of why his Prime entered into a clone contract, he wants answers. The first problem is his Prime is dead and Bagini 42 is in charge of the investigation. The second problem is all the clues point at a clone from his line and they already know all his tricks. How can he solve his own murder when every suspect has his name and face?
©2012 Jim Bernheimer (P)2012 Jim Bernheimer

Review:
This is an easy, fun listen of a strange mystery. The protagonist awakens in the hospital trying to recall what happened. He discovers that he is actually a 42nd clone of his “Prime” human, Homicide Detective David Bagini. Bagini 42, as he is called, is distressed to learn that he is a clone especially since, the last he recalls, his Prime wasn’t interested in extending his life by cloning. Bagini 42 next learns that he has been brought forth to investigate the murder of his own Prime because the clues lead towards one of the other clones being the killer!  42 has to learn the quirks of thirty-nine or so of ‘himself’ (a couple are dead) as he tries to figure out opportunity and motive for the crime. This is particularly tricky since the other clones all know his investigation methods.

42 is forced to attend counseling sessions to make sure he is adjusting to life as a clone. He initially resents being a clone and resents counseling but then he begins to find his counselor, also a clone, is one of the few people he can relate to. He ends up asking for help outside his own line when he feels uncomfortable with only two of his own brothers, who are not always cooperative, as partners.  42 also has to deal with his Prime’s widow and rebellious teen-aged daughter.

Although you might think that clones would be alike, in this story it is fun to listen to 42's efforts to sort out his ‘siblings’ different nuances! The writing is crisp and forth right. There are some fun quotes from other books, including The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.  The clone world is unique and interesting, if not overly developed. There is betrayal, danger and mystery blended with the dry wit of Bagini 42's struggles which make this a fun, quick listen. I highly recommend it as a new twist for mystery lovers.

Audio Notes: Jeffrey Kafer’s narration of this story is slightly reminiscent of Dragnet with an almost - but not quite - dry, presentation. Kafer manages to share the character nuances and portray 42's dry wit as well as keeping the story moving. This makes for a good audio listen.

I received this audio from the Publisher through AudioBook Jukebox.

Audio Book Review: Battle for L.A. by CJ Henderson and Mark Sparacio

This is an action, comic story in audio.
Battle for LA
Author: CJ Henderson, Mark Sparacio
Narrator: Full Cast
Publisher: AudioComics 
Length approximately 42 minutes

Genre: Pulp Fiction, Dramatization
My Rating:4.0 of 5.0

In the early morning hours of February 25, 1945, US anti-aircraft shore artillery opened fire on an unidentified object in the skies above Los Angeles, California. Over the course of the next three hours, “swarms of planes” were reported as roaming the skies above the city of angels, though in the end the only actual damage was the result of traffic accidents, friendly fire from the attack, and in some cases, heart attacks caused by stress.

The public was later told that there the attack was a false alarm. Moonstone Books, however, has unearthed the government documents that show the real truth…and how some of the greatest heroes in pulp history fought back against the “event”…

Battle for LA is AudioComics’ second collaboration with Moonstone Entertainment, Inc., adapted from the illustrated novella by CJ Henderson and Mark Sparacio, and starring pulp heroes The Black Bat, Domino Lady, Secret Agent X, and The Phantom Detective, and classic comic character Airboy. America’s pulp and comic avengers pit their wits (and guns) against a menace from another world in a story actually inspired by true events!

Review:
This is a fun listen and perfect for readers who like comics and action. The pulp heroes date from the 1930s. I had heard of The Phantom Detective and Airboy but the others were new to me. The story is set in 1945 and shares the adventure of The Phantom Detective and Secret Agent X, with the help of the others, as they hunt down and battle a private mogul who is threatening to use an other worldly device. The heroes goal is to eliminate the terrifying, but mystifying, device that would wipe out the population.

The story is full of sharp, comic dialogue, fast paced action and fitting sound effects. I also enjoyed the underlying spy nature of the characters and the machinations in the time setting of 1945. I wouldn’t want a steady diet of this genre but it was fun for a quick listen!

Audio Notes: I enjoy the give and take of dramatization with numerous characters. There was background music and sound effects that at time were too loud and made me strain to follow the conversation. That would cause difficulties for those who have difficulty hearing dialogue, like my DH.

I received this comic audio from the Publisher through AudioBook Jukebox.

Audible Book Review: The Chronology Protection Case by Paul Levinson

This short mystery dramatization packs an active dilemma of time paradox to the extreme!
The Chronology Protection Case
by Paul Levinson


LENGTH    38 mins
RELEASE DATE    01-01-05
PUBLISHER    Listen & Live Audio
Genre: Mystery, Dramatization
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
The radio play of "The Chronology Protection Case" was adapted by Mark Shanahan with Paul Levinson, based on the novelette by Paul Levinson which first appeared in the pages of Analog magazine in September 1995. The script of the radio adaptation was nominated for a prestigious Edgar Allan Poe Award as "Best Play of 2003" by the Mystery Writers of America.

The radio play was initially performed live before a studio audience at the Museum of TV & Radio in September of 2002. It was subsequently recorded at CDM Studios in New York City in 2003, featuring a cast of nine actors, with an original sound design and score. The CDM recording was produced by Charles de Montebello and Mark Shanahan.

"The Chronology Protection Case" radio play, a science fiction murder mystery, features Shanahan in the role of Dr. Phil D'Amato, the forensic detective who appears in Levinson's acclaimed novels, The Silk Code, The Consciousness Plague, and The Pixel Eye. When D'Amato is approached by the distraught wife of a missing scientist whose work is embroiled in secrecy, he is plunged into an adventure with a terrifying and powerful force of nature at the heart of a series of mysterious deaths.
©1995 Paul Levinson; (P)2005 Listen & Live Audio, Inc.

Review:
This is a dramatized story featuring forensic Detective, Dr. Phil D’Amato. Phil is called by Dr. Lauren Goldring, a physicist married to another physicist, Ian Goldring, who specializes in quantum physics. Ian was working on a device to send signals that would travel faster than light particles. But Ian has disappeared. As Phil begins searching for Dr. Goldring he discovers Ian with three gun shot wounds. Then Lauren turns up dead from an allergic reaction to sedative that Phil requested.

Phil works with Detective Lieutenant Jannie to pursue the case and he calls a Science and Research Journalist friend, Jack who dies next day. There were six people working on the special project and now four are already dead. The two survivors are not talking and all evidence of discussions and correspondence, even emails have been erased.

Now there is only one. Phil meets with Dr. Julie Fenwick, the only remaining survivor from the research project. Their discussion is remarkably intense as they try to figure out how to avoid becoming the next to die as time... or something or someone... protects itself.

There was no in depth character development but the plot line carried the story. Although the science of quantum physics would be difficult for most of us non-scientific types to follow, the impact of the time paradox was still understandable and created the basis of a unique mystery.

Audio Notes: This is a great audio dramatization that reminded me of radio dramas from the years before television – although the quality is much better. If you enjoy listening to fun stories, this is a quick mystery with an ironically twisted plot.

I received this download for review from the Author through AudioBook Jukebox.

Audio Book Review: The Time Fetch by Amy Herrick

This is a different fairytale adventure for middle grade and up.

The Time Fetch 

by Amy Herrick

read by Luci Christian
Audiobook
Unabridged   7.75 hour(s)
Publication date: 08/27/2013

Gernre: Middle Grade, Fantasy

My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Product Description
Under normal circumstances, a Time Fetch sends out its foragers to collect only those moments that will never be missed or regretted. It then rests, waiting to be called back by the Keeper, who distributes the gathered time where it is needed in our world and others. When eighth grader Edward innocently mistakes a sleeping Fetch for an ordinary rock, he wakes its foragers too early, and they begin to multiply and gobble up too much time. Soon the bell rings to end class just as it’s begun. Buses race down streets, too far behind schedule to stop for passengers. Buildings and sidewalks begin to disappear as the whole fabric of the universe starts to unravel.

To try to stop the time foragers he has unleashed, Edward must depend on the help of his classmates Feenix, Danton, and Brigit—whether he likes it or not. They all have touched the Fetch, and it has drawn them together in a strange and thrilling adventure where the boundaries between worlds and dimensions are blurred, and places and creatures on the other side are much like the ones they’ve always known—but slightly twisted, a little darker, and much more dangerous.

A fast-paced tale of mythology, danger, friendship, and a shocking centuries-old secret, The Time Fetch is a magical adventure that reveals the extraordinary hiding just inside the ordinary.

Review:
This is a fun but ‘grim’ tale as in scary fairytale. Edward is a skinny, nerdy type kid who buries himself in his books and finds a world away from the mean kids at school. He lives with his strange Aunt who is always talking about mystical things like the summer and winter solstice. His Aunt encourages Edward to bring other children home, especially the cute girl next door. Edward isn’t about to invite anyone to meet his strange Aunt. Especially not Feenix, the snobby girl next door who succeeds in subjecting even teachers to her embarrassing, mean taunts.

One day Edward slips into his Aunt’s garden and finds a strange looking rock to take into science class. As he heads to school weird things begin to happen and an odd man tries to take the rock from him. An athletic, cheerful boy, Danton, begins to take an interest in Edward, most likely because of the good food Edward always brings from home. There is also a cute but strange girl, Birgit, who seems nice enough to even Edward and Danton. But she doesn’t talk ... to anyone. She hasn’t talked since a traumatic event in her childhood.

When Feenix sneaks the rock away, Edward and Danton follow her to the park. Birgit follows them sensing something bad is going on. Feenix goes missing, while back at school time seems to be speeding by and no one remembers Feenix. Finally the other three young people remember and return to find her. Feenix only escapes the woodland when Danton and the others rescue her.

Although this is an unlikely team, they end up working together when they realize that the rock that Edward brought to school has had a strange, dangerous, effect on their community. Feenix has learned that it is a “time fetch” and a few of the tiny creatures inside have escaped. Now the little ‘buzzers’ are multiply and eating memories, mass and time itself. The world is in danger of being consumed unless the four youths can puzzle the way to stop the time bees without getting caught by the unraveler.

This was a very different and strange tale. I felt the beginning dragged a little getting to the more exciting and dangerous parts of the story. There were some behaviors, like the bullying and parental disrespect, that I didn’t like. I enjoyed the science lessons and ponderings that added philosophical questions. I very much liked how each of the children found strengths in themselves that were needed to succeed together. The story is pretty fast paced (after the slowness) and has some surprises that I think would keep the attention of older middle grade students. I would classify this as a fairytale adventure, including a positive moral.

Audio Notes: The narration was effective to portray the quirky characters. There was excitement and wonder in the reading that added to my enjoyment of the story. I’m not sure I would have picked this as a print book but I did like it as an audio.

I recieved this CD audiobook for reviewing from Highbridge Audio through AudioBook Jukebox.

Audio Book Review: Helper 12 By Jack Blaine

This has an interesting premise but the story is too simplistic and the narration is lackluster.
Helper12

• UNABRIDGED
• by Jack Blaine
• Narrated by Renee Chambliss

    LENGTH    4 hrs and 52 mins
    RELEASE DATE    04-29-13
    PUBLISHER    Jack Blaine Books
Genre: Dystopia, YA
My Rating: 3.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Helper12 works as a Baby Helper in Pre Ward, the place where babies spend their first six months of life before they're tracked for vocations and sent to training. She does her job well, and she stays out of trouble. But one day, the Sloanes, Society members who enjoy all the privileges of their station - family unit clearance, a private dwelling, access to good food and good schools - come to "adopt" one of the Pre Ward babies. The Director makes a deal and the Sloanes walk out with a brand new child.

They also walk out owning Helper12 - the Director sells her to them, and there's nothing she can do but go. At the Sloanes, Helper12 enters a world where people should be able to enjoy life - with high position and riches come the opportunity for individual freedom, even the chance to love - but that's not what she finds. The Sloanes are keeping secrets. So is their biological son, Thomas.

Helper12 has some secrets of her own; she's drawing, which is a violation, since Baby Helpers aren't tracked for Art. And she's growing to love the child she was bought to care for - at the same time that Ms. Sloane is becoming disenchanted with her impulse baby buy.

When all your choices are made for you, how do you make some for yourself? Helper12 is about to find out.
©2011 Jack Blaine (P)2013 Jack Blaine

Review:
Helper 12 is a worker in a society that directs the roles of it’s citizens. Children are tested for their aptitude and then trained and tracked for the job they are assigned. Helper 12 is designated, and branded, to help care for babies. Oddly her branding was changed which is unusual. Once it had been a B which would have made her a Breeder. But the B was modified to become an H. Helper 12 is accustomed to working her shift and returning home to her small apartment. She tries, not very successfully, to remain detached from the babies because they will be released to chosen parents or she may be required to release them from life if there is anything unsuitable.

One day she is caring for an infant she calls “Jobee” when strangers barge into the nursery with her boss. The excited, demanding woman is frantic for a child while her husband and a teenage son stand back and watch. The director sells the child to the Sloanes and he also sells Helper 12 to them to care for the child. Helper 12 dare not raise a fuss or she will most likely lose her job and “disappear.” Besides, she would just as soon continue to watch over the growing infant who will have a better level of life with the wealthy family.

It is quickly clear that the mother, Mrs. Sloane, really doesn’t have the patience or inclination to care for the boy.  Helper 12 grows more protective and is surprised and wary when the biological son of the household, Thomas, takes a personal interest in her and the child. As Helper 12 learns more secrets she becomes more concerned for the safety of Jobee and herself. But she has limited choices until Thomas suggests a daring move. 

This is an interesting concept but I felt the characters were a little weak. Added to this the plot itself was lacking because the solution or escape came too easily. There could have been a better build of tension and action to increase the excitement for the story. The writing is okay, there were some interesting comments on society and it is a shorter work so a quick read or listen. Unfortunately, what started as a good story idea fell short in the delivery.

Audio Notes: I'm sad to say that the very lackluster narration did nothing to help the story. This was much more of a reading than a narration. There was very little emotion or nuance added. If the thought was to try to reflect Helper 12 as a limited character it may have succeeded for that but the narration failed to enhance the overall story presentation.

I received this download from Jack Blaine Books through AudioBook Jukebox.

Audiobook Review: Shadows of Glass: The Ashes Trilogy Book 2 by Kassy Tayler

This is a good sequel with a cliffhanger ending setting up book 3.

Shadows of Glass: The Ashes Trilogy Book 2

    by Kassy Tayler
    Narrated by Nicola Barber
        Series: The Ashes, Book 2

LENGTH  9 hrs and 40 mins
RELEASE DATE  07-23-13
PUBLISHER  AudioGO

Genre: YA Dystopia

My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary

Wren’s world has changed. The thing that she fought for - escaping the dome - has come to fruition, but it’s not the paradise she thought it would be. Most of the shiners have died, and according to James she is to blame for many of the deaths, a burden which sits heavy on her shoulders. Still some have survived and Wren is determined to keep them safe as they fight to establish a home outside while hiding from the rovers who have weapons that can kill from far away. But as long as she has Pace she knows everything will be fine. Still Wren wonders, as she sees the smoke that continually pours forth from the dome, how did her friends inside fare? Will they ever find out if Lucy, David, Jill, and Harry, along with Pace’s mother survive the explosions?

Meanwhile, someone else has also seen the smoke. A band of explorers from across the sea arrive in an airship, curious about the dome, and offer help to those who survive. When Wren meets the handsome Levi Addison, she suddenly questions her love for Pace as Levi offers to show her the world from his airship. Does she really love Pace? Or was it just the circumstances that made her think she did? Meanwhile, word arrives from inside via Pip, and Wren is forced to go back inside the dome, a thing that terrifies her more than anything else, to save her friends. Once she’s back inside will she be able to escape again?

©2013 Kassy Tayler (P)2013 AudioGO

Review:
In this sequel to Twilight of Ashes, Wren, Pace, James, Adam and a few more shiner friends have survived the rushing waters that drove them out of the exploding tunnels. Some of the blind ponies and goats have also survived. But there are many more deaths and losses. The small group is now forced to survive, with little in the way of supplies, in an alien environment where even the sun they have rarely seen can harm them.

Wren discovers that her friend, John, who was forced outside, has survived and established a place of shelter. He warns of the threat of barbarian rovers who raid and carry off females. Wren is filled with self doubt and guilt that is fueled by the bitter James. She questions if living in freedom, with starvation and fear, is better than living the life of drudgery, but safety, that they had before she dared to dream of the outside.

Suddenly Wren is faced with more strangers in an airship but she soon realizes that these foreign explorers are friendly. The remarkable family set out to help the small group of survivors to establish a safe community, offering even staff and weapons to protect against the rovers. The young man, Levi, is smitten by Wren’s simple beauty, her bravery, strength and determination. He doesn’t mean to come between Wren and Pace but if there is a chance for him to win her attention he intends to pursue it.

Pip, Pace’s intrepid canary, brings a message to Wren from Lucy who is still inside the Dome. The call is “Help us!” Pace has to go back inside if he wants to rescue his mother while Wren feels she must find a way to help her friends inside. Levi’s Uncle agrees to use his ship to help get them inside where they soon are trapped into more danger. As this book closes, Wren, Pace and Levi face the angry leader of the Royals, Wren’s father.

I liked the addition of the exploring US characters. It was interesting to try to imagine how the outside world, and strangers from far off, would effect Wren and her friends who have had little schooling. Presenting Levi as another romantic interest to catch Wren’s attention creates more conflict in addition to the struggle of surviving. Although it makes Wren appear shallow in her feelings I attribute some of her confusion to her youth and the stresses she has been experiencing.

I felt there was too much repetition of Wren’s fearful doubts and thoughts for a good part of the first half of the book. Again this may be consistent with the angst of being a teen but it was a bit annoying. The story was entertaining and I was engaged and anticipating what would happen with the confrontation inside when book two abruptly ended. For those who really don’t like cliffhangers, be forewarned. I will be interested to learn the conclusion in volume three.

Audio notes: Once again Ms. Barber does a good job giving emotional input to characters. She does a nice job with the accents and I enjoyed the listening.

I received this title for review from AudioGo through AudioBook Jukebox.

Audio Book Review: Nevermore: A Novel of Love, Loss & Edgar Allan Poe by David Nail Wilson

This is a marvelous dark fairy tale, reminding the reader that not all fairy tales have a happy ever-after ending.
Nevermore: A Novel of Love, Loss & Edgar Allan Poe
by David Nail Wilson
Narrated by Gigi Shane

    LENGTH    6 hrs and 6 mins
    RELEASE DATE    04-20-13
    PUBLISHER    Crossroad Press
Genre: Horror, Occult, Paranormal
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
On the banks of Lake Drummond, on the edge of the Great Dismal Swamp, there is a tree in the shape of a woman.

One dark, moonlit night, two artists met at the Lake Drummond Hotel, built directly on the borderline of North Carolina and Virginia. One was a young woman with the ability to see spirits trapped in trees and stone, anchored to the earth beyond their years. Her gift was to draw them, and then to set them free. The other was a dark man, haunted by dreams and visions that brought him stories of sadness and pain, trapped in a life between the powers he sensed all around him and a mundane existence attended by failure. They were Eleanore MacReady, Lenore, to her friends, and a young poet named Edgar Allan Poe, who traveled with a crow that was his secret, and almost constant companion, a bird named Grimm for the talented brothers of fairy-tale fame.

Their meeting drew them together in vision, and legend, and pitted their strange powers and quick minds against the depths of the Dismal Swamp itself, ancient legends, and time.

Once, upon a shoreline dreary, there was a tree. This is her story.
©2013 David N. Wilson (P)2013 David N. Wilson

Review:
A young woman, Lenore, has a unique and special, mystical, artistic skill. Lenore is able to sketch and release spirits trapped in objects, in this case, trapped in the trees. She has been drawn to an off the beaten path hotel on the borderline of Virginia and North Carolina. Nearby is a swamp and a Lake with legendary trees that resemble living creatures. One tree is shaped like a grand stag and another is shaped like a woman. There are local legends but no one really knows the story -- except perhaps the mysterious, ancient woman who lives in the swamp.

Lenore strike up a friendship with the man in the room next door, Edgar Poe, who travels with his faithful companion, a crow named Grimm. Edgar struggles with his dark writing as he despairs the imminent loss of his ailing wife. Lenore continues her work with intense focus while Edgar weaves a strange story of a sorceress who seeks dark power through capturing a child princess. Suddenly it appears that the artists’ skills are changing time, history and reforming reality.

A young waitress and a young boy at the Inn agree to help Lenore and Edgar on their separate adventures into the swamp. Edgar and Lenore part, agreeing that they will meet again after they have completed their missions. But their destinies soon cross again as Edgar races to stop Lenore when he realizes that the woman Lenore is about to release from the trees could bring disaster, not only to the swamp, but to Lenore herself.

This is a haunting story; beautiful in its presentation, even though dark. The author manages to convey a Southern gentility in the primary characters and a dark malevolence in the evil character. The pacing moves well with the building mystery leading to the danger and action.  I love how the author uses Edgar Allan Poe as a character along with several of the famous poet’s characters such as Lenore and the raven. When I was finishing the story I was compelled to pull out a copy of The Raven to re-read in light of this fairy tale.  I recommend this to any reader who likes Poe and any listener who wants an engaging, quick listen.

Audio Notes: This was a wonderful narration and made for several hours of engaging listening. Gigi Shane does an excellent job of conveying the Southern tone and the haunting danger. I enjoyed listening to the smooth delivery as I anticipated discovering what would happen.

I received this audio book from the Author through Audiobook Jukebox to provide an honest review.

Audio Book Review: Paradox Resolution: A Spider Webb Novel, by K.A. Bedford

Jump on this book for a mad time trip!
Paradox Resolution: A Spider Webb Novel
Author: K.A. Bedford

Narrator: Cameron McDonald
Audio Book Length:  9 Hrs 55 Min

Genre: Time Travel, Action, Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Audio Book Description:
Aloysius “Spider” Webb fixes time machines for a living. He hates his job; he hates his life, and hates time travel even more. He simply wants to get on with his life. He’s a hard working -Australian bloke — a good man in a bad -situation who is willing to do almost anything to regain his self-respect and the affection of his nearly -ex-wife, Molly; a mad sculptress on her way to international fame and fortune.

Spider’s life and his world are changing. -After quitting the Western Australian Police Service, Spider studied to become a time -machine repair -mechanic, eking out a sparse -living fixing broken down machines. But the -repair business isn’t what it used to be. Once, time machines were as big as cars; but now they’re smaller and compact, portable, and cost too much to get fixed so it’s easier for people to simply buy a new one. Times are tough and there is no end in sight.

Meanwhile, Spider’s new boss at the Time -Machines Repaired While-U-Wait franchise needs help: his -secretly built, totally -illegal, -radically overclocked, hotrod time -machine has been stolen, and Spider is the right man to get it back before it falls into the wrong hands, or worse inadvertently destroys the entire universe.

Spider’s journey begins with a simple favor to help his almost ex-wife, Molly, and moves to the icy wastes of the far, far future.

Surprise and shock are the only -constants in -Spider’s life; why should this job be any -different?

Review:
Spider, a sharp Australian, is a former police-officer who was pushed out of his job after blowing the whistle on a corrupt department. Now he earns a living fixing time machines, which he hates, while he tries to regain a more respectable life and his soon to be ex-wife, Molly.  Spider is really a nice guy who believes in doing the right thing–even though that has gotten him into his current dilemma.

Spider thinks maybe he can win back his wife’s affections if he continues to help her as an available handyman.  Spider is alarmed that Molly is going out of town but he won’t refuse when she asks him to house-sit her sick gold fish. The next morning he is startled to find a dead head– ah, make that a dead talking head!– in his refrigerator at work. Then his boss calls him in to seek his help in finding his young son who has disappeared with a  illegal, totally souped-up, hotrod time machine.  All of a sudden Spider is caught up in a time travel mystery that could lead to end time destruction.

Spider hates time travel and the reason becomes understandable as time travel experiences seem to bring on nothing but trouble and perhaps even the downfall of civilization.  First the trips made by his boss and then Spider’s own trips show a certain circular, inescapable, inevitability.  Is it possible for him to save Molly from becoming an alien monster? And what trouble is he bringing on his cop-friend, Iris, who insists on jumping on board the time machine heading to a far distant future? Can they make changes to save earth before the aliens devour what is left?

This was a mad trip of twisted, future power-mongers and danger wrapped with irony and humor.  This moves along at a good pace and kept me engaged.  I really enjoyed trying to figure out where it was going and what would happen next even as Spider himself ponders his mundane life and the turns that it takes with the different time jumps.

This is apparently a sequel novel although it worked fine as a stand alone. This makes me curious to go back and read the first book.

Audio Notes:  Cameron McDonald does a grand job with the Australian accents, slang and irrepressible spirit. The narration made this a completely enjoyable reading/listening experience.

I received this download to provide an honest review for Post Hypnotic Press through Audiobook Jukebox.

Audible Book Review: Death of a Dyer by Eleanor Kuhns

This is a good mystery with interesting history. Unfortunately I think the narration could have been better.

Death of a Dyer

by Eleanor Kuhns

Reader: Richard Waterhouse

Running Time: 11hrs 34min
Number of CDs: 9
Release Date: 6/18/13
D/L ISBN: 9781482100822 
CD ISBN: 9781482100815
Genre: Historical, Mystery
My Rating 4.0 of 5.0

Synopsis:
Will Rees feels at home. It's been a long time since he last felt this way--not since before his wife died more than five years ago and he took to the road as a traveling weaver. Now Rees is back on his farm, living with his teenaged son, David, and his housekeeper, Lydia--whose presence contributes more towards his happiness than he's ready to admit. But his domestic bliss is shattered the morning a visitor brings news of an old friend's murder. Nate Bowditch and Rees hadn't spoken in many long years, but as children they were closer than brothers, and Rees feels his loss acutely. Asked to look into the circumstances surrounding Nate's death, Rees simply can't refuse. At the Bowditch farmstead, Rees quickly discovers that everyone--from Nate's frosty wife to his missing son to the shy serving girl--is hiding something. But are any of them actually capable of murder? Or does the answer lie elsewhere, behind stones no one even knew needed un-turning? Death of a Dyer once again proves Eleanor Kuhns' remarkable ability to spin a captivating story and capture the light and darker sides of human nature on the page.

Review:

Will Rees is a traveling weaver. He owns a farm but spends most of his time traveling to sell his wares, then returning home now and again to bring the proceeds to help support the farm. Now he is home at the farm with his teenaged son who has grown up working and loving the land his father disdains. Will has also brought Lydia, a strong independent widow and a Shaker who was put out of her community. She lives in a cottage on the farm and serves as housekeeper although she hopes to become more to Will as time goes by and when he is ready.

Will's wife, Dolly, died a few years ago from a bug he brought back from his travels. He still feels guilty but is also reluctant to risk moving to a different relationship with Lydia because he doesn't know if he can remain in town or if he will seek the road again.

Right now he is tied to his home by the request of the widow of a murdered friend to prove that their son did not kill his father. Nate and Will had been good friends as boys but Will has been away many years. As he meets Nate's wife and nearly 19 year-old son, Richard, Will begins to realize that he does not know the man that Nate became in his absence. Nate had become obsessed with his sturdy of colors as a dyer, always seeking a better, richer color. He apparently had developed friendships with other boys that they grew up with and the relationships are surprising to Will. Will worns Nate's wife, Molly, his close, devoted servant, Mason, and other boyhood friends that his investigations may lead to secrets that will make others unhappy. It won't be enough for Will to clear Richard as the prime suspect. Will won't give up the search until he has found and exposed Nate's killer.

I enjoyed the mystery that had some red herrings and twists to keep me guessing. The pacing is different as it is set in the 1780 Colonial time period and seems to plod a bit just as things might in those days. There is some wonderful history of weavers, dyers, slaves and bounty hunters seeking runaway slaves. But the history extends into the human aspects of land acquisition and any era human characteristics of pride, greed, snobbery and loyalty.

Audio Notes: I am sorry to say that this is not an audio version I would recommend. I found the narration very dry with little emotion and character given through the reading. This made the story drag for a good portion until the last quarter when the narrator surprisingly found expression.

I received this book for review for AudioGo through Audiobook Jukebox.

Audio Book Review: The Eye of Moloch by Glenn Beck

This is another good political thriller - a picture of forces at work in our current world.
The Eye of Moloch
    by Glenn Beck
    Narrated by Jeremy Lowell


    LENGTH    11 hrs and 54 mins
    RELEASE DATE    06-11-13
    PUBLISHER    Simon & Schuster Audio
Genre: Political Thriller
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
The last battle for freedom is underway....

By the end of Glenn Beck’s number-one best-selling political thriller The Overton Window, a young rebel named Molly Ross had torn aside the curtain to reveal a shadow war being waged for the future of America. In the six months since then, her fight for freedom hasn’t gone well. Marked as traitors and hunted by ruthless government-sanctioned mercenaries using the most advanced surveillance technologies ever created, Ross and her "Founders' Keepers" find themselves cornered and standing alone. but the fight is far from over.

The battle lines in this bitter rivalry are as old as civilization itself: On one side, an unlikely band of ordinary Americans, ready to make their last stand in defense of self-rule, freedom, and liberty - and on the other, an elite cabal of self-styled tyrants who believe that unlimited power should be wielded only by the chosen few. That group, led by an aging, trillionaire puppet-master named Aaron Doyle, will stop at nothing to destroy the myth that man is capable of ruling himself.

As Doyle prepares to make his final move toward a dark, global vision for humanity's future, new allies join the fight and old enemies change sides. In the midst of it all, Molly draws together a small but devoted group willing to risk their lives to infiltrate one of the most secure locations on earth - a place holding long-standing secrets that, if revealed, would forever change the way Americans view their rare, extraordinary place in history. Exposing these truths, and the real-life game of chess being played for mankind’s freedom, is their last chance to save the country they love.

Review:
This story picks up a few months after The Overton Window closes. Noah has had his life turned upside down by the truths that Molly Ross and her band of Founder’s Keepers are trying to bring to the attention of the public. Noah was tortured by his father to the point where he had to  make a choice to follow in his father’s powerful, manipulative footsteps or die. Or he could pretend to meekly regain his position within his father's regime while playing the inside man to help Molly.

This story focuses on the struggles that Molly, her main protector, Thom Hollis, and the other resistance members face as they continue to try to expose the truth while being maligned.  The power brokers are using terrorism to push citizens to give up their rights and they are blaming the acts on Molly’s group, particularly Hollis. The small resistance team is now on the run, surviving on the road and in the woods, as they try to find a save refuge.

Meanwhile Noah awakes back in the facility his father left him in recovering from an injury after being sent out as part of a militia group to gun down the Founder’s Keepers. He meets three unlikely allies. Virginia Ward is a former CIA assassin who is a self appointed investigator of the truth. Although it is not clear why, she has gotten a request from Noah’s father to interview Noah and investigate the allegations regarding Molly Ross.  Ira is a ‘put-out-to-pasture’ news journalist who is being used to write copy and press releases that are acceptable to the powers that be. Ira’s unhappy companion is Lana, a sullen, angry young girl who is a computer wizard and hacker.

Noah tells Virginia that it is like a game of Chess– Noah and Virginia (and others) are being manipulated and the opposition is already planning three moves ahead. This book also gives a more personal view of Doyle, the head puppeteer, who even controls Noah’s father.

This is a story of truth, love and virtue standing up to the powers of evil, control, corruption and  revenge. The scary thing is it looks like a true picture of happenings in America today - it should serve as a wake up call to those who cherish freedom. Noah is a reluctant hero and leader but, as several of the other characters note, he appears to have been called to step up and lead. There is a little bit more faith based exposure in this book – which is fine by me. The situation with Noah reminded me of the story of Esther who was placed in her position for ‘such a time as this’!

Audio Notes: I was a little disappointed that this was a different narrator than the reader of The Overton Window, which I had just recently listened to. However Mr. Lowell does a good job too of portraying the different character traits through their voices and expressions. Listening moved this book along quickly and enhanced the read for me.

I received the Audio CDs from Simon and Schuster, through Audiobook Jukebox, for an honest review.

Audio Book Review: Maiden Voyage of the Rio Grande by Michael Coorlim

This is another quick, easy listen with a brutal mystery to be solved.

Maiden Voyage of the Rio Grande

by Michael Coorlim

Narrated by Wayne Farrell
    LENGTH    55 mins
    RELEASE DATE    05-15-13
    PUBLISHER    Michael Coorlim
Genre: Steampunk Mystery
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
The Bartleby and James Adventures steampunk mystery series follows the cases of consulting detectives Anton Bartleby and James Wainwright through an alternate Victorian history. Their latest adventure takes them high above the greatest city in the world.

Brilliant but socially-awkward inventor and engineer James Wainwright has been accused of murder most foul, and only his savvy partner, Alton Bartleby, can clear his name. The clock is ticking, though, as the true murderer's sabotage threatens to crash the world's largest airship into the teaming streets of London below.

Who are Bartleby and James?
Alton Bartleby is a social savant, the scion of a once pround and noble bloodline, working to restore his family's name. James Wainwright is a brilliant engineer and inventor. Together they take on the cases that Scottland Yard cannot or will not handle.

Review:
Inventor and engineer James Wainwright is accused of murder when he stumbles on a dead body on the maiden voyage of the new American airship, the Rio Grande. He is facing an antagonistic interrogation when his sophisticated and detailed oriented partner, Alton Bartleby, steps in to rescue him. They convince the Captain that James is innocent and they offer to locate the real killer.

They have to determine cause of death, opportunity and motive. James and Bartleby set off by examining the corpse and the scene of the crime. They proceed with interviewing passengers and crew. They determine that the brutal murder involved a theft. The ship is using a new propulsion system which is touted as the latest and greatest but apparently the crucial mechanism that keeps the large ship balanced has been removed!

The deceased was a well liked crewmember with no obvious enemies, however the airship owner’s biggest competitor is on board and would love the chance to “sink” the ship. The suspects also include an estranged son and bitter wife. The biggest problem is that unless James can jerry-rig a fix the ship will roll and explode causing damage to the vessel and the city below. James and Bartleby race against time to solve the murder mystery and fix the ship before they all go down in flames.

I really enjoyed the step by step investigation as described by James. This is an inexpensive purchase for an hour of fun listening!

Audio Notes: As with the first book, Wayne Farrell presents the story with perfect British hauteur and aplomb. He handles the American accents well too. I hope there will be more brisk adventures written by Mr. Coorlim and read by Mr. Farrell.

I received this Audible download to provide an honest review for the author through Audiobook Jukebox.

Audio Book Review: Hearts of Shadow, A Deadglass Novel, Book 2, by Kira Brady

I really like the protagonists and the intensity in this story.
Hearts of Shadow
A Deadglass Novel, The Deadglass Trilogy, book 2
By Kira Brady
Read by Xe Sands

Length 10.0 hrs • UNABRIDGED
Publisher: 2013 by Blackstone Audio, Inc. Genre: Paranormal Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher/Date: Blackstone Audio, 05/07/13
In this brilliant new novel in the Deadglass series, a fierce young woman’s quest entangles her in an apocalyptic endgame—and unexpected desire.

Grace Mercer’s unmatched wraith-killing ability made her the unofficial defender of a city shattered by supernatural catastrophe. So there’s no way she’ll allow the new regent of Seattle’s most powerful dragon-shifter clan to “protect” her from a vicious evil stalking the ruined streets or keep her from the freedom she’s risked everything to earn.

Leif’s science-honed instincts tell him Grace is the key to keeping shifters and humans safe, but helping this wary fighter channel her untapped power is burning away the dragon’s sensual self-control and putting a crucial alliance at risk. Soon the only chance Leif and Grace will have to save their world will be a dangerously fragile link that could forever unite their souls—or consume everything in a storm of destruction.
© 2013 by Kira Brady

Review:
Grace is a human girl whose world fell apart when demons were unleashed destroying the city (the first book). Post apocalyptic Seattle is now under the control of a powerful dragon-shifter clan, the Drekar, with an uneasy alliance–maybe–with a Native American shifter clan, the Kivati, and the extremely prejudiced human authorities. As these leaders juggle power and control, the city and their people are facing attacks from zombie humans who are being possessed by demon wraiths.

Leif is the reluctant leader of the dragon-shifters. He would rather be working on experiments in his laboratory and has been neglecting his ruling duties, or leaving them to his female high counselor, Zetian.

Grace was pulled into the control of the dragon-shifters by Sven, Leif’s manipulative and cruel brother. Sven had Grace trained as a warrior-assassin but he also made her a bond slave and used her. It wasn’t rape but lies and misguided adoration that had her in the position of a sexual partner. Grace soon learned to hate her bondage and will take on any fight to earn her way to freedom.

No one understands fully why Grace is such a powerful wraith killer although they believe part of her power is reflected by the rune tattoos that cover her lithe body. Leif is fascinated by the young woman and wants to protect her. He doesn’t know how to release the slave bond so she must continue to work off the debt. But when he forbids her to fight he unintentionally takes away her source of earnings.

The three jostling powers are threatened by a power hungry, love thwarted demi-god. As the clans struggle to find the artifacts that will defeat the demi-god, Leif struggles to get Grace to succumb, by her free choice, to their passion. Grace believes that the dragon-shifters are soulless and she has the horrible past betrayal to teach her not to trust one. But Leif continues to assault her with honor and kindness. Can the dragon and human find love and break a curse that legend says has stolen the dragon soul?

This story is very engaging with lots of action as Grace individually, and with others including the powerful dragon, Leif, battle paranormal beings and body stealing wraiths. There is quite a bit of pagan legend, including an Ishtar brothel, that has a prominent place in the story. It seemed that the mythological and pagan elements were extremely well researched and consistent for the background of the battles that rage. There is good description and development of the settings, intense action and romance. The passion is lovely with Leif’s integrity and devotion which I liked. I also  really liked the strength of Grace’s character, especially as she overcomes her past insecurities and betrayals.

Audio Notes: I enjoyed the narration by Xe Sands. I felt that she portrayed Grace exceedingly on point, in intensity, frustrations and fierceness. She also did a good job getting the other characters with different voices and capturing their respectful, or not, attitudes. I'm interested to see what other stories she narrates.

I recommend this story as an entertaining, fast paced, listen.

I received this MP3 download from Blackstone Audio through AudioBook Jukebox.

Audio Book Review: And They Called Her Spider by Michael Coorlim

This is a fun, quick listen!

And They Called Her Spider:
A Bartleby and James Adventure, Book 1

    UNABRIDGED
    by Michael Coorlim
    Narrated by Wayne Farrell
        Series: Galvanic Century, Book 1
    LENGTH      56 mins
    RELEASE DATE      12-07-12
    PUBLISHER      Michael Coorlim

Gernre: Mystery, Steampunk
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary

The Bartleby and James Adventures steampunk mystery series follows the cases of consulting detectives Anton Bartleby and James Wainwright through an alternate Victorian history.

In their debut adventure, London is in the grip of an unstoppable assassin known only as the Spider, and consulting detectives James Wainwright and Alton Bartleby have been commissioned to catch her.

Can the surly inventor and savvy gentleman track her down and stop her string of murders, or will Queen Victoria be her next victim?

Who Are Bartleby and James?

Alton Bartleby is a social savant, the scion of a once proud and noble bloodline, working to restore his family's name. James Wainwright is a brilliant engineer and inventor. Together they take on the cases that Scotland Yard cannot or will not handle.

©2011, 2012 Michael Coorlim (P)2012 Michael Coorlim

Review:
Alton Bartleby and James Wainwright work together as private detectives consulting, but not always welcome, with the authorities in a Steampunk Victorian world. Alton is all that is proper with his noble background and worldly social experiences, but he is in the position of having to work to rebuild his family reputation. James is a quirky engineer and inventor who can get lost for days in his laboratory, 'lair', before popping out with a solution or gadget to help in their investigations.

Alton and James have been called upon to help track and stop a sly assassin who is known as the Spider. She has been able to slip into places, through crowds and windows, where with acrobatic grace and moves she decimates her prominent victims with venomous dagger strikes. Then she boldly and blithely waltzes away to her escape.

There is a fear that the Queen is an intended victim and the detectives are in a race against time to stop the Spider. Once they have a clue to follow they press on diligently, even with some recklessness.

This pair reminded me of a lighter Sherlock Holmes and a more technically skilled Dr. Watson. The story is told from the view of James. They make a good pairing and balancing in their intuitive and deductive skills as well as their areas of experience. The story was fun and I loved the steampunk and mechanical aspect.

Audio Notes: The narrator presents the story with perfect British hauteur and aplomb. The pacing, of the story as written and read, is brisk and intriguing. I would be glad to read more by Mr. Coorlin and hear more narrating by Mr. Farrell.

This is a good choice for mystery buffs looking for a fun, fast hour. 

I received this MP3 download at Audible through AudioBook Jukebox.

Audio Book Review: The Wolf Path by Judith Van Gieson

This is an interesting mystery packed with details on wolf issues.
The Wolf Path
Author: Judith Van Gieson
Narrator: Meredith Mitchell
Publisher/Date: AudioGO, 04/01/13

Length: Approximately 6 hrs 40 mins.
Genre: Mystery
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
It's a 104 degree day in Albuquerque when attorney/sleuth Neil Hamel gets a call asking her to go to southern New Mexico to help a wolf advocate who calls himself Juan Sololobo. Juan, who attracts trouble wherever he goes, is visiting the town of Soledad to give an educational program featuring his timber wolf, Sirius. After someone lets Sirius out of his pen, a federal official is murdered and Juan becomes the prime suspect. As Neil defends him she finds herself immersed in a deadly conflict between ranchers and environmentalists over wolf reintroduction. The Wolf Path is Judith Van Gieson's fourth Neil Hamel mystery. Since it was first published to critical acclaim in 1992, Mexican gray wolves have been reintroduced to the Southwest, and there are now several packs free-ranging in Arizona and New Mexico. Wolf advocate Bobbie Holaday, the founder of Preserve Arizona's Wolves (PAWS), updates this edition with an introduction summarizing the progress that has been made. Van Gieson has published eight mysteries featuring Neil Hamel and five with University of New Mexico librarian Claire Reynier.

Review:
Neil Hamel is an attorney who likes to conduct her own investigations rather than using a private investigator. She is often called in to handle environmental issues and this time she is asked by a friend (a former almost love interest?) to cover permit issues for a client who is transporting and exhibiting a wild wolf in an educational program. Juan Sololobo, a strong wolf activist tends to attract trouble. He brings along a timber wolf, Sirius, who is not to be considered a pet even though he may be accustomed to humans. Juan has brought Sirius to Solodad, near White Sands, where they are touring the schools and staying on a ranch owned by his ex-wife.

White Sands is being considered as an appropriate location for a relocation program. There are local ranchers and hunters who are strong opponents to the idea of reintroducing the wolf anywhere near their town. A meeting of the supporters and opponents isn’t going well when it is interrupted by a freak hail storm and the discovery that someone has cut the chain that locked Sirius into a secure holding area. Now Juan is desperate to rescue the wolf while there are others arming themselves to hunt it down.

Neil returns home to Albuquerque only to get a call that one of the bureaucrats, a man whom Neil had learned to respect, has been murdered.  Juan had attacked the man in a fit of anger fueled by exhaustion and alcohol when he learned that he had locked Sirius up until an investigation could be completed. That makes Juan the prime suspect in the man’s murder.

The murder mystery is a little slow to develop as there is a lot of environmental build up and detail.  The author provides fascinating information covering the history of wolves, release programs, free roaming risks and the dilemmas the ranchers face from wild animals. Ranchers also have the opportunity for wildlife smuggling, human smuggling and drug trafficking. Although I didn't necessarily like Neil's methods of investigation, I did like the action and suspense that accompanied the gathering of clues.

Ms. Van Gieson takes a couple of off beat rabbit trails regarding water and sun which are presented in beautiful, prosaic streams of thought. These were odd in a mystery but still enjoyable. I rather enjoyed the slower pace of the story - it made me think of really hot weather when one might tend to move a bit slower. I puzzled a bit over the protagonist’s relationship with her live-in friend and sometimes ‘convenient’ lover, known as “kid.” I think this must be clearer in an earlier book but it didn’t hurt this mystery.

Audio Notes: Meredith Mitchell does a good job with the reading. The voices and accents are authentic and distinguishable. The environmental data is conveyed with good enthusiasm that keeps the reading moving along. I sense that I would prefer this author and her stories in audio as I might struggle with the slowness if I was reading and waiting to get to the murder.

I received this MP3 download from AudioGo through AudioBook Jukebox.

Audio Book Review: The Empty Mirror by James Lincoln Collier

This is a strange, ghostly bit of entertainment.
The Empty Mirror
by James Lincoln Collier

Unabridged Audiobook

Author: James Lincoln Collier  
Reader: Adam Verne  
Running Time: 3 hrs 45min
Published by AudioGO, 2013
Genres: Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Ghost Story
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Book Summary:
Nick Hodges had always been a troublesome boy. Growing up an orphan in his Uncle Jack's care in a small New England town wasn't easy. Everyone was a little wary, a little watchful--a little too watchful. One day, while Nick is walking in the woods, a neighbor thinks she sees him miles from where he actually is. Soon a series of events reinforcing Nick's hotheaded reputation unfold. The incidents become increasingly serious until, finally, Nick is the scapegoat for a much more sinister crime, one that he wouldn't even think of committing. As he uncovers history of the town's influenza epidemic, and as he observes a strange occurrence in the graveyard, Nick begins to suspect something out of the ordinary is happening. And when he sees a figure running in the woods wearing the mirror image of his own shirt, Nick starts to piece together some of the answers--answers no one could have imagined. James Lincoln Collier has written a haunting story of a boy and his reflection--and what happens when two souls want to inhabit the same living body.

Review:
I suppose you could best describe this as a ghost story and a mystery. It is set in a  type of back woods community in 1932. Nick, a young teen of 13, has already developed a reputation as a boy to cause trouble and mischief. One day a ‘nosy’ neighbor complains that he was rude to her. But he insists that he was miles away with his friend, Gypsy. Gypsy’s father is an abusive drunk. Her  family is considered trash and no one would believe them.

Nick is puzzled by the false accusations until he is looking in a pond and doesn’t see his own reflection. As Nick tries to hunt down the doppelganger himself the mischief leads him to a grave marker of a boy his own age who died with the influenza the year that Nick was born. The reflection continues to cause trouble focusing town hostility towards Nick. As the mischief escalates it appears that Nick may well end up in jail unless he can find a way to show the sheriff or town people he is innocent. Then the threats become even more deadly and Nick must leave or find a way to stop the body snatcher.

The story is interesting in its simplistic, beautiful settings and the mysterious, creepy danger. It is an unusual story and not my usual read but I did find it entertaining. I recommend this to fans ghost stories and to those who like unusual surprises with a touch of creepiness.

Audio Notes: Adam Verne does a nice job with the voices of Nick and Gypsy. The reading, and the writing, convey a small town, older time, tone. I do think there could have been a bit more suspense and excitement.  Still he managed to keep it entertaining and light which would make it better for YA listeners.

I received this MP3 download from AudioGo through AudioBook Jukebox.

Audio Book Review: Inherit the Stars by James P. Hogan

This is a SCIENCE fiction story that mystery lovers could like.

Inherit the Stars, The Giants Series, book 1

by James P. Hogan

Read by John Pruden

Length 8.0 hrs • UNABRIDGE

℗ 2013 by Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Genre: Science Fiction

My Rating: 4.0 of 4.0

Summary

The man on the moon was dead. They called him Charlie. He had big eyes, abundant body hair, and fairly long nostrils. His skeletal body was found clad in a bright red spacesuit, hidden in a rocky grave. They didn’t know who he was, how he got there, or what had killed him. All they knew was that his corpse was fifty thousand years old—and that meant this man had somehow lived long before he ever could have existed.

© 1977 by James Patrick Hogan

Review:
This story is set in the not so distant future where space exploration is common place. Victor Hunt, a respected scientist and head of a Theoretical Studies program, is brought in to work on a new project. A ‘man’ has been found on the moon--where no man should be--indicating prior moon exploration by a human-like race. “Charlie” presents a puzzle for the scientists as they try to determine who he is, where he came from and how he came to die on the moon.

The prologue is quite interesting, opening the story from Charlie’s perspective before his death. We don’t know who he is but it pulls the reader’s interest into the puzzle of the story. The story then moves a bit slowly and with some confusion in the audio as I tried to identify the characters and where the story was heading.

Different departments--language, metallurgy, environment, evolution and more--are set up to examine the discoveries of the body, the instruments, materials and journals.  The scientists argue theories with one scientist being completely intractable on his evolution based position/conclusion. Everyone else’s arguments are ‘unproven’ theories therefore not possible. The “Pure Earthist” arguments insist that, due to matching DNA factors, Charlie must somehow be from Earth. Hunt is more open minded to speculation beyond demonstrative proof and is able to encourage the different departments to work together until more pieces fall into place.

The clues eventually reveal an interesting “dystopian” world that was losing ground to ice caps. The planet was apparently split into two societies who would not work together. The lives of the people were completely controlled with government authority assigning the jobs between space exploration or war. Even with these findings, it is still difficult to reconcile Charlie’s origins to fit the evolutionary models that are being insisted on.

Another discovery reveals a “Noah’s Ark” type ship buried on Jupiter with a ship full of Earth-like botany and animals. The proprietor of the ship appears to be a giant. Speculation and further investigation ultimately tie this discovery to “Charlie.”

The story reads/listens much like a documentary with the emphasis on Science theory and  “established” evolutionary insistence.  Although it is overall a bit dry, I enjoyed the data and persistent steps followed to resolve the puzzle. I wasn’t thrilled with the insistence on evolution with spontaneous mutations as, to me, that is all theory too. I liked that Hunt was willing to theorize and think outside the box.

I would be interested in reading more about Charlie’s giant companion. I think this story would be enjoyed by those who like the process of puzzling out a mystery as well as those who like ‘Science’ fiction.

Audio Notes: Unfortunately I found the narration to be stilted and dry. Considering the documentary leaning of the story I think a more enthusiastic reading might have helped to liven up the book. The accents could have been stressed more to enhance the reading. I did grow accustomed to the narration but I wasn’t overly impressed.

I received this title from Blackstone Audio through AudioBook Jukebox for an honest review.

Audio Book #Review: Hunter by Robert Bidinotto

If you like thrillers don't miss this engaging and thought provoking story.
Hunter: A Thriller 
by Robert Bidinotto

• LENGTH
  11 hrs and 50 mins
• RELEASE DATE
  09-13-12
• Program Type
  Audiobook
• PUBLISHER
  Robert J. Bidinotto

Genre: Thriller
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0
Highly Recommended

Publisher's Summary
A Wall Street Journal Top 10 national best seller
Number one Kindle best seller in "Mysteries & Thrillers"
Who is hunter?
Who is Prey?
Who will survive?

Award-winning true-crime author Robert Bidinotto makes his stunning fiction debut with a best-selling thriller that has earned more than 200 "5-star" rave reviews from readers.

Two people, passionately in love.
But each hides a deadly secret.
He is a crusading vigilante, on a violent quest for justice.
She is tracking this unknown assassin, sworn to stop him.
Neither realizes the truth about the other.
And neither knows that a terrifying predator is hunting them both....

From its first moments, Hunter takes you on a nonstop thrill ride: from the top floor of the CIA, to the marbled corridors of Capitol Hill...from the posh hotels of downtown Washington, to the city's mean, violent streets. It introduces a colorful new hero for our time - and a dazzling heroine every bit his equal.

A spy mystery...a crime thriller...a passionate romance: Hunter is a genre-bending novel unlike any you've read. Deviously plotted, filled with vivid characters, and propelled at a breakneck pace, it's a tale as memorable for its provocative ideas as for a rousing climax that has readers cheering.

If you enjoy the thrillers of Lee Child, Stephen Hunter, Brad Thor, and Vince Flynn, you'll love Hunter.

©2011 Robert Bidinotto (P)2012 Robert Bidinotto

Review:
Dylan Hunter is a complex, mysterious man. He is a hard hitting reporter who goes after injustice in his articles. He exposes criminals and the prosecutors, judges and psychiatrists who help them go free or get out of prison when they should have stayed behind bars.  He doesn’t let people close as he has a past and secrets to protect. Then he meets Annie Woods at a funeral. She has secrets too and trust issues resulting from her cheating ex-husband. Not to mention her wariness due to all the crime she sees in her work with the CIA.

Dylan convinces Annie to go out with him. He is open and warm and has a valid explanation why there is no record of him prior to two years back.  Their friendship quickly moves to a love affair and then develops more deeply. But neither one knows the past or truth about the other and Annie’s past is soon to collide with Dylan’s present in a way that is hazardous to all involved.

Annie introduces Dylan to a group of hurting crime survivors – people who have lost a loved one to brutal criminals.  Dylan writes about the horrible and tragic deaths and then the vicious perpetrators begin to show up dead with copies of his articles placed at each crime scene. There are no leads to the vigilante killer and, needless to say, the police aren’t too broken hearted about the deaths. A special task force is set up to investigate and Annie is connected to the task force due to a murder of a government traitor before he could be brought to justice.

This story kicks off with intrigue and it continues at a steady, high pace. I liked how Mr. Bidinotto presented the stake outs and the murders with methodical detail that built the tension for each scene.  The characters are well developed and it was hard not to like Dylan even though his actions are outside of the law. The ideological arguments are interesting: that misguided sympathy and well-minded idealists are enabling the criminals and making the judicial and penal system completely ineffective in fighting true criminals. This is really a great thriller that keeps your attention from beginning to end as you wait for the collision of secrets to hit Annie and Dylan.

Audio Notes:
I enjoyed the narration by Conor Hall.  He does a fairly good job with the different voices although the females were a bit rough. This didn't distract from the overall effect though. Mr. Hall does a good job of conveying the sense of tension and danger and carries the intensity throughout the reading.

I received this Audible download, for an honest review, from Robert Bidinotto through Audiobook Jukebox.

This is set in Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland for my 2013 Where Are You Reading Challenge. This is also a New Author for me.

Audiobook #Review: That Night on Thistle Lane by Carla Neggers

This is a nice romance but, for me, not romantic suspense.
That Night on Thistle Lane
by Carla Neggers

Product Information

• Author: Carla Neggers  
• Reader: Susan Boyce  
• Running Time: 9hrs 48min  
• Publisher: AudioGO Ltd  
• Number of CDs: 8 File 
• Quality: MP3 (128 kbps)  
• Release Date: 1/29/13  
• D/L ISBN: 9781609989941 
• CD ISBN: 9781620647103

Genre: Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Book Description
Release date: January 29, 2013 | Series: Swift River Valley
New York Times bestselling author Carla Neggers returns with the second book in the Swift River Valley series, That Night on Thistle Lane, following Secrets of the Lost Summer.

More than just make-believe

Librarian Phoebe O'Dunn deals in stories, but her passion for history has taught her that happy endings are rare. Her life in Knights Bridge, Massachusetts, is safe and uneventful...until she discovers the hidden room.

Among its secrets is a cache of vintage clothing, including a spectacular gown--perfect for a gala masquerade in Boston. In the guise of a princess, Phoebe is captivated by a handsome swashbuckler who's also adopted a more daring persona. Noah Kendrick's wealth has made him wary, especially of women: everybody wants something.

When Noah and Phoebe meet again in Knights Bridge, at first neither recognizes the other. And neither one is sure they can trust the magic of the night they shared--until an unexpected threat prompts them to unmask their truest selves.

After all, it takes more than just the right costume to live out your personal fairy tale. It takes heart...and the courage to be more than you ever dreamed.

Review:
Phoebe O’Dunn was abandoned by her college sweetheart so she decided to shelter her heart. She grew comfortable with her single life-style and became a major support for her family and friends. She has recently discovered a hidden room in the library at Knights Bridge. She discovers some beautiful old movie dress replicas which she offers to allow her friends use for a gala masquerade ball. She decides to go at the last minute too as an Elizabethan princess. At the ball she is swept off her feet by a swashbuckling pirate and they share a dream dance until it is interrupted by Noah spotting a man he thinks is following him.

Noah Kendrick is a wealthy business mogul from California. He is wary of women who chase after him for his money or notoriety. He agrees to attend a masquerade ball with his business partner who is engaged to marry the love of his life, Olivia, who lives in Knights Bridge. At the ball he meets a beautiful, intriguing princess but doesn’t get her name.

Noah and Phoebe then meet at Olivia’s home but don’t immediately recognize each other. Noah decides to remain in the Knights Bridge to try to uncover ‘his princess.’ Soon he recognizes Phoebe by her movements and the lines of her face and hips. Phoebe heard a stranger talking mysteriously about Noah. Eventually when they acknowledge each other Noah discovers that his secret follower may have a connection to Phoebe’s hidden library room.

An early note I made about this story is that it has elements I find consistent in Ms. Neggers’ works: well developed characters, rich descriptions and unique, natural influences.  The hero and heroine share loneliness, independence and pain.  Ms. Neggers uses natural hobbies, goat soaps and essential oils being developed by the Knights Bridge ladies, to add warmth.  There are wonderful, rich descriptions showing pluses but differences between the small, close community of Knights Bridge and the big atmosphere of San Diego.

The story has a slow, relaxed feeling as the background it set before the romance blossoms. I have enjoyed several of Carla Neggers' novels and I was expecting this to be a romantic suspense so I was disappointed when I kept waiting for the suspense. Although there is a small mystery with the hidden room and who created the dresses, there really is minimal suspense. But if you are looking for a relaxing and rich contemporary romance this one works as a nice read.

Audio Notes: Susan Boyce does a nice job reading this story. She manages to maintain the pace even with a slowly developed story. It seemed that sometimes she nails the Boston accent but not always. The smooth narration added to the story for my listening pleasure.

I received this audio for review from AudioGo through Audiobook Jukebox.

This is set in Knights Bridge, Massachusetts for my 2013 Where Are You Reading Challenge.